Shonaz Ahmadi Khatir; Ayatollah Bayatian; Abolfazl Barzegari; Neda Roshanravan; Abdolrasoul Safaiyan; Graciela Pavon- Djavid; Alireza Ostadrahimi
Volume 20, Issue 10 , October 2018, , Pages 1-11
Abstract
Background: microRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous gene expression regulators, which are involved in the physiopathology of dis- eases, and potentially make biomarkers in diseases, such as Cardiovascular Disease (CVD).Objectives: Since miR-21 is a robust regulator in plaque formation, this study aimed at ...
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Background: microRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous gene expression regulators, which are involved in the physiopathology of dis- eases, and potentially make biomarkers in diseases, such as Cardiovascular Disease (CVD).Objectives: Since miR-21 is a robust regulator in plaque formation, this study aimed at identifying the effect of saffron as a functional food and traditional food additive antioxidant in fighting against the progress of atherosclerosis, by modulation of miR-21, as a new circulating marker of inflammation. Methods: In this randomized, double-blind clinical trial, 63 subjects with atherosclerosis were recruited from Emam Sajjad Hospi- tal, Valiasr Hospital, and Zafaranieyh Clinic in Tehran, Iran, and divided randomly to two groups. They received 100 mg/d saffron ora placebo capsule for six weeks. The expression levels of miR-21 were quantified by real-time quantitative-PCR (RT-qPCR) in the blood of patients. Furthermore, fasting blood sugar, lipid profile, and anthropometric index of participants were evaluated before and after the intervention. Results: Statistical analysis showed significant differences in the expression level of miR-21 between atherosclerosis patients, who received placebo, and those, who consumed saffron (P value = 0.02). Moreover, a significant decrease was seen in hip circumference after saffron supplementation (P = 0.049, P = 0.006). Nevertheless, consumption of saffron did not significantly influence other anthropometric indexes and blood biochemical parameters, such as FBS and lipid profile. Conclusions: In the
